List of Apps Removed Includes 99 Acres, ALT Balaji, Bharat Matrimony, and More
2 March, 24: In a recent development, Anupam Mittal, a prominent figure in India's startup ecosystem, took to social media to express concerns over Google's decision to delist several major apps from its app store. The move comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings at the Competition Commission of India (@CCI_India) and the Supreme Court of India (@indSupremeCourt).Mittal lamented the delisting of these apps, citing it as a detrimental blow to India's internet landscape. The list of affected apps includes well-known platforms such as 99 Acres, ALT Balaji, Bharat Matrimony, Kuku FM, Naukri, Quack-Quack, Shaadi.com, Stage, Truly Madly, and Stage OTT.
The primary reason behind Google's action is reported to be non-compliance with Play Store billing policies. This move has sparked concerns among stakeholders about the dominance of tech giants and the implications for Indian startups.
Mittal likened Google's actions to the historical analogy of the East India Company, highlighting what he perceives as a disregard for Indian interests. He urged netizens to raise awareness about the issue and called for collective action to safeguard the interests of Indian startups.
The delisting of these apps underscores the complex dynamics between tech platforms and app developers, raising questions about fair competition and regulatory oversight in the digital sphere.
As the debate unfolds, stakeholders await further developments in the legal proceedings and potential implications for India's digital ecosystem.